Anyone try Rhino Liner or LINE-X on an aluminum deck?

Still Afloat · Oct 31, 2024

So now that I’m finished with log cabin staining, mowing 10 acres every few weeks and other summer chores I’m ready to get back in the shop to complete some boat projects. I started replacing the deck on the North River last spring and the project failed when the new marine plywood delaminated. Now I’m going with an aluminum deck. The problem is that it’s now probably too cold to apply epoxy paint mixed with grit. So on to my question.

Has anyone used a profession application of Rhino Liner or Line-x on an aluminum deck? If so, were you happy with the results?

mbullen · Oct 31, 2024

You're likely to get a wide variety of answers on these products as many folks use bedliners and flexseal products to seal their leaking aluminum boats.
In my experience, however, they rarely work on aluminum in the long term.
These products are largely in the urethane family of compounds and they stick to themselves really well but not always to the substrate. What looks like a consistent coating may actually be leaving pockets between the compound and the aluminum which allow for corrosion to begin....and then the removal of urethanes is worthy of an entire thread by itself. It ain't fun.
Of course, I'm sure there are folks that are experiencing good results at the moment.
My experience comes from rescuing vintage boats and having to reverse these decisions after the fact. I've now begun to just walk away from even the cool projects if any type of bedliner or flexseal is involved.
Just my thoughts on it.

LDUBS · Oct 31, 2024

mbullen said:
You're likely to get a wide variety of answers on these products as many folks use bedliners and flexseal products to seal their leaking aluminum boats.
In my experience, however, they rarely work on aluminum in the long term.
These products are largely in the urethane family of compounds and they stick to themselves really well but not always to the substrate. What looks like a consistent coating may actually be leaving pockets between the compound and the aluminum which allow for corrosion to begin....and then the removal of urethanes is worthy of an entire thread by itself. It ain't fun.
Of course, I'm sure there are folks that are experiencing good results at the moment.
My experience comes from rescuing vintage boats and having to reverse these decisions after the fact. I've now begun to just walk away from even the cool projects if any type of bedliner or flexseal is involved.
Just my thoughts on it.

You say it very well. I hate to see bed-liner products on boats because people misuse it to hide problems. I can see it used for a floor covering, but the adhesion and water intrusion issues you mention would be a big concern.

I know it wasn't asked -- I am a huge fan of vinyl. Easy on the feet, non-slip, looks good, easy to clean, and durable. Like the epoxy paint, I suspect the glue involved should be applied within a certain temperature range.

Still Afloat · Oct 31, 2024

mbullen said:
You're likely to get a wide variety of answers on these products as many folks use bedliners and flexseal products to seal their leaking aluminum boats.
In my experience, however, they rarely work on aluminum in the long term.
These products are largely in the urethane family of compounds and they stick to themselves really well but not always to the substrate. What looks like a consistent coating may actually be leaving pockets between the compound and the aluminum which allow for corrosion to begin....and then the removal of urethanes is worthy of an entire thread by itself. It ain't fun.
Of course, I'm sure there are folks that are experiencing good results at the moment.
My experience comes from rescuing vintage boats and having to reverse these decisions after the fact. I've now begun to just walk away from even the cool projects if any type of bedliner or flexseal is involved.
Just my thoughts on it.

I appreciate that input. I’ve had really good results with professionally applied bedliners on my pickups. Although, I don’t think I want a coat of it that’s an 1/8” thick. No intention of using a do it yourself bedliner type product.

I also saw some epoxy based products on the Rhino Liner website.

Still Afloat · Oct 31, 2024

LDUBS said:
You say it very well. I hate to see bed-liner products on boats because people misuse it to hide problems. I can see it used for a floor covering, but the adhesion and water intrusion issues you mention would be a big concern.

I know it wasn't asked -- I am a huge fan of vinyl. Easy on the feet, non-slip, looks good, easy to clean, and durable. Like the epoxy paint, I suspect the glue involved should be applied within a certain temperature range.

I suppose vinyl is possible but, I’m not sure how a guy would wrap the edges. Carpet is a definite no and IMO EVA falls into the same category.

I gave up on wood, planning on buying a couple of 1/8” x 48 x 120” sheets of 5052 aluminum when we get a dry day so I can pick it up. That’s why I’m thinking of epoxy or urethane based high traction finishes.

lckstckn2smknbrls · Oct 31, 2024

I like your idea of putting it on the floor but not the actual hull.

Still Afloat · Oct 31, 2024

lckstckn2smknbrls said:
I like your idea of putting it on the floor but not the actual hull.

Yes, that’s plan. I agree that it’s royal PITA if you ever decide to remove it.

airshot · Oct 31, 2024

As a non skid sub floor yes, but using that on the hull itself whether inside or outside...nope !! Never !

LDUBS · Oct 31, 2024

Still Afloat said:
I suppose vinyl is possible but, I’m not sure how a guy would wrap the edges. Carpet is a definite no and IMO EVA falls into the same category.

I gave up on wood, planning on buying a couple of 1/8” x 48 x 120” sheets of 5052 aluminum when we get a dry day so I can pick it up. That’s why I’m thinking of epoxy or urethane based high traction finishes.

I would say it definitely needs to be wrapped over the edges. Since it cannot be stapled on the underside, I would guess a contact cement would be used. But in all honesty, I don't know.

I also saw the epoxy flooring stuff on the Rhino liner site. Interesting.

Still Afloat · Oct 31, 2024

I spoke with a local Rhino Liner guy. Told him what I was doing and he thought the urethane product would wear better than epoxy but, he could do either. He can spray the urethane based from 1/16 to 1/4” thickness. I’m thinking about 1/8” thickness. Estimated price $810 for 54 to 55 sq ft.

Still Afloat · Oct 31, 2024

I could do an epoxy base finish myself for under $200 plus fuel to try to keep the shop at 50 degrees during the daylight hours for a few days. I might be able to pull that off if I work quickly. Our days are running 45 to 50 degrees and nights are ranging from the low to high twenties. That’s almost balmy for late October but, it won’t last. With the pellet stove on high the shop will stay above freezing at night but, not above the minimum application temperature of 50 degrees.

The surrounding mountains are getting snow. It will be here soon.

Still Afloat · Oct 31, 2024

Picked up the aluminum today. Surprise, the price went up since I last checked. This inflation is insane.

flatheadsteve · Nov 1, 2024

I like to walk barefoot and at times sprawl out on the deck and take a nap. Not sure linex would feel very good on the feet/skin I can see the traction benefits though . What flooring you use is subjective to how you use the boat and personal taste. I have a friend in TX that hunts gators with his tinnie and the whole interior is linex coated. Helps with traction when it's full of mud and blood.

LDUBS · Nov 1, 2024

I see that they can tint the Rhino Liner to any color. I assume same with the epoxy. That is a nice option to have.

Still Afloat · Nov 1, 2024

LDUBS said:
I see that they can tint the Rhino Liner to any color. I assume same with the epoxy. That is a nice option to have.

The guy that I talked to said black or dark grey for the urethane stuff.

I’m having a hard time parting with over $800 for a simple prep and spray job. I can see that on a truck bed with all the masking etc. but, not on three new flat sheets of aluminum.

LDUBS · Nov 1, 2024

Still Afloat said:
The guy that I talked to said black or dark grey for the urethane stuff.

I’m having a hard time parting with over $800 for a simple prep and spray job. I can see that on a truck bed with all the masking etc. but, not on three new flat sheets of aluminum.

Yeah, I would feel the same way. And, I agree with what you said earlier about the DIY bed liners. Tough choice when there are no clear winners.

lckstckn2smknbrls · Nov 1, 2024

Have you thought about paint with a traction additive?
Maybe the extra thick paint for decks and concrete with traction additive.

Still Afloat · Nov 2, 2024

lckstckn2smknbrls said:
Have you thought about paint with a traction additive?
Maybe the extra thick paint for decks and concrete with traction additive.

That is probably the route that I’ll take. I’m considered Total Boats, Total Tread or similar. Just need to convince a buddy with a warmer shop than mine to let me borrow some space for a week.

sinned6915 · Nov 7, 2024

paint it with epoxy or gelcoat and seed it with traction sand. if traction sand is too agressive, then walnut media or plstic sandblast media.
next step is find a contactors supply source of traffic coating like Vulkem OC810 or Sika 726.

Anyone try Rhino Liner or LINE-X on an aluminum deck?

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